ASK US ANYTHING: Worthwhile Vintage Under $1000

Q. I'm a college student, and a big watch fan. I understandably can't afford nicer watches (yet). Are there more to collect <$1000? Dropping thousands on school really ruins my budget. What did you guys buy before you could afford the classics?

-Trevor B.

A. Trevor, you're not in this alone. I finished up graduate school not so long ago, and completely understand that the student life can put a serious damper on watch acquisitions. But that doesn't mean you can't get something classic and worthwhile on your limited budget that you'll still love years down the road.

Omega Seamaster

Omega dress watches and Longines military watches from the '50s and '60s are great places to start (this one pictured above, for example). There are dozens and dozens of models, color configurations, and variations of Seamasters alone, so you're spoiled for choice. You do have to be careful that you're not getting something completely pieced together from found parts though, so proceed with caution, especially on the web - you can regularly find Seamasters on eBay for $300 or so, but you're likely getting a Fraken-watch that might have some inauthentic parts as well.

Well-worn, untouched Navy Longines

Cleaned up Navy Longines

But like I said, you may have to make some compromises in this price bracket. This Longines Navy watch has a cool story, a case back engraving, and a totally untouched dial, which is interesting but maybe not the most aesthetically pleasing. There is another Longines for sale right now that is almost exactly the same, but has definitely been cleaned up a bit and doesn't have the engraving. You lose some historical interest, but get a cleaner product. Your choice.

'70s Longines Admiral

Moving into the '70s, you can try to find no-frills automatics from similar brands. This Longines Admiral is a great daily-wear workhorse, has a very '70s case shape adding interest, and at $600 is a good value.

Felix's Vintage Seiko Recommendations

Our own Felix Scholz has already provided an excellent buying guide for vintage Seiko chronographs, which are also great options. For chronographs, especially bold, well-made chronographs, this is where it's at sub-$1000.

Stephen's Polerouter Date

Finally, the Universal Genève Polerouter is definitely a favorite here at HODINKEE HQ - Ben has owned one, and my Polerouter Date was my first vintage buy after finishing graduate school. You can check out why here.

As always, we have no connection with any of these sellers. Always do your due diligence, whether you're spending $500 or $500,000. This is also by no means an exhaustive list of good sub-$1000 buys - just a few ideas and some good places to start.

Building a great collection doesn't happen overnight, nor would it be as rewarding if it did. Do your research, buy the best you can afford, and, most importantly, buy what you love.

Advertisement

Friday March 3, 2012

HODINKEE is one of the most widely read wristwatch publications in the world. Launched in 2008 by then 25-year-old Benjamin Clymer, the site quickly gained notoriety for earnest looks at some of the industry’s most interesting, and occasionally forgotten timepieces.